GUELPH – It seems a plea for additional support from the local United Way caught the attention of a company hoping to build a battery storage facility just outside Fergus.
Toronto-based Aypa Power Canada responded to United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s recent call for community support with what is being called a “generous donation” to the organization’s 2024 fundraising campaign.
“Thanks to the Advertiser for sharing our press release, Aypa Power took action and made a generous donation to the campaign,” United Way GWD executive director Glenna Banda stated in a Jan. 20 news release.
“We are so thankful for their contribution, and that as a new business in the area, they saw the incredible value partnering with United Way can have in our community.”
But when asked the amount of the donation, the United Way declined to provide that detail.
“We didn’t include the donation amount as Aypa Power asked us not to disclose (it),” United Way director of community engagement and impact Colleen Murdoch stated in an email.
Although the organization accepts donations year-round, the 2024 campaign has officially wrapped up, Murdoch said.
“We did end the campaign behind where we’d like to be, but it was a great surprise receiving Aypa’s donation as a first-time donor to help us get a bit closer to closing the gap,” she said.
The company develops, owns and operates utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects, and has applied to build a battery storage facility on a farm south of 2nd Line and west of Highway 6 in Centre Wellington.
“Aypa Power’s investment in Centre Wellington is a testament to our dedication to fostering resilient communities,” Aypa vice-president government and regulatory affairs Nadia Marquez Pabst stated in the release.
“We are proud to stand with United Way in ensuring critical programs – like mental health services, food security initiatives and support for at-risk youth – continue to uplift and empower local residents.
“Being part of this community means more than operating here; it means contributing to its growth and well-being.”
United Way supports 51 programs across Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin, as well as leads collective, innovative solutions for change in the areas of poverty and children and youth, the release stated.
A combination of fewer people giving and the postal strike at the end of 2024 put the annual campaign behind where United Way would like it to be in order to continue to maintain critical funding to local programs and services.
In mid-December the organization told the Advertiser its campaign goal was $2.5 million, and the campaign was still short between $150,000 and $200,000.
Donations are accepted year round at unitedwaygwd.com or by phone at 519-821-0571 or in person at the United Way office at 85 Westmount Rd. in Guelph.
“Building community takes community,” Banda stated. “Better is possible because of compassionate, caring individuals who want to help us support kids, families and people living in vulnerable circumstances to have the best chance at a safe and fulfilled life. Every dollar helps and ensures no one in our community has to face challenges alone.”
